LaVerne Pinner

LaVerne (Smith) Pinner was born February 11,1927 in Indianapolis, Indiana. LaVerne was the third child of five born to Joseph and Willa Mae Smith. LaVerne, affectionately known as Vern, was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, where she grew up on the Westside of the city. Vern matriculated in the Indianapolis Public School System. She joined God in Heaven of Friday, April 11, 2025 at 98 years of age.

LaVerne had a very strong work ethic. At a young age, Vern worked at General Hospital, a glove manufacturing company, and 30+ years at Western Electric, where she retired in March 1985. While there, she was an active member of the IBEW Union. That retirement, however, was short lived. She re-entered the workforce months later. She worked at various places, including a school cafeteria.

Vern was a devoted Christian and life-long member of the Mount Olive Baptist Church. She participated in various ministries. One of her passionate ministries was Mount Olive homeless shelter. She worked tirelessly to help provide meals for those in need by preparing meals and even seeking food donations from various businesses throughout the city for the shelter.

Vern was able to spend the majority of her adult-life with the love of her life Charles Everett Pinner (also known as ‘Charlie’ and ‘Chas’). The two joined in holy matrimony in Noblesville, Indiana on February 2, 1957. They loved spending time together and with family and friends. They participated in various social groups. LaVerne was a member of the Night-Lifers and the Fantastic Ladies; Charlie was a member of the Dog Pound. They spent more than 62 years together.

Chas and Vern loved to travel. Traveling with family and friends, they cruised to many islands in the Caribbean, and traveled to Canada, Venezuela, Mexico, Spain, France, Italy and Africa. Vern and Charlie also traveled to many states throughout the U.S. They especially loved visiting places that had casinos, like Las Vegas, Tunica, Shelbyville and Anderson, Indiana.

Vern kept busy throughout her life. She participated in a couple of line dancing groups like the Sassy Seniors and the Heritage Place Line Dancers. They performed all over the city, including the Indiana State Fair. She did this for many years. She knew contemporary dances even before her grandchildren did!

Vern, along with her sisters, was a health fanatic. She was juicing before it even became en vogue. Do you remember her celery juice? She always tried new teas and herbs. She also was a great cook. Her chili, turkey burgers, and roast beef will be missed!

Vern was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings (Constance McDaniels, Edward Smith, Donald Smith, and Audrey Bellamy), her husband Charles (Charlie) and step-son Christopher Smith. She is survived by her only beloved son Paul Edward Pinner (Tonya), granddaughters Dawn Pinner and Kimberly Nichols (Scott), great-grandchildren (Orlando, Amani, Scott, Jaelyn, Elijah, Kendal, Korey, and Jackson), and a host of other family members and friends.